EPA issues rules to settle violations by public, firms
Six fire teams tackle landfill fire
KUWAIT CITY, June 23: The Environment Public Authority (EPA) has issued a regulation to settle environmental violations committed by individuals and corporate institutions through compensation if the two sides agree on a settlement, reports AlShahed daily.
The regulation specifies the condition for settlement in line with certain procedures, indicating the violator is supposed to solicit reconciliation in advance—whereas the affected party has right to accept or reject a settlement.
It states the request for settlement will be rejected in case the violation registered was not cancelled, indicating violations should be mended and the document for settlement must include a pledge stating it’ll not be repeated.
The maximum fine to be paid by individuals for dumping environmental waste is KD250, while corporate institutions will pay sums ranging from KD1,250 to KD5,000 for the same offense.
In case the violation affects professional or business surroundings, an individual will pay KD500 and establishments KD1,250 to KD10,000, while individuals involved in chemical waste violations are liable to pay KD500 and establishments will endure fines ranging from KD2,500 to KD10,000.
Also, the fine for dumping hazardous, medical, sludge and solid wastes starts from KD50 to KD5,000 for individuals, while establishments could pay a minimum of KD50 and maximum
of KD20,000.
Waste dumper caught:
A citizen called the Operations Unit in the Interior Ministry, complaining about an Egyptian truck driver who allegedly dumped liquid waste materials in the drainage network flowing into Shuwaikh Sea, reports Al-Rai daily.
A team of environment police officers rushed to the location and caught the suspect red-handed.
A case was registered and the suspect was referred to the concerned authorities for legal action.
Six fire teams ...:
It took six firefighting teams to control a fire that broke out in a landfill in West Mina Abdullah area along Wafra Road 2 Kilo-mark, reports Al-Seyassah daily.
The General Department for Public Relations and Security Media explained that the Control Room of Kuwait Fire Service Directorate (KFSD) received information about the fire in the landfill. Immediately, firefighting teams from Mina Abdullah and Umm Al-Haiman fire stations, with the support of Sabhan, Ardiya, Capital and Ahmadi fire stations led by Lieutenant Colonel Muath Al-Hamadi were dispatched to the location as the fire had spread rapidly throughout the area due to the strong winds.
Despite the severe winds and the accompanying dust, the teams managed to control the fire with the help of graders from Kuwait Municipality which is responsible for the landfill.
Director General of KFSD Lieutenant General Khalid Al-Mekrad and Deputy Director General for Firefighting Sector Major General Jamal Al-Belheis were present during the operation along other top KFSD officials.